5-year-old kids are no longer just these bundles of uncoordinated energy that bounce from one place to another.
At this age, kids are capable of communicating in complete sentences and they should also be able to hold a somewhat lengthy conversation.
Just like when they were younger, 5-year-olds will still be teeming with energy, but they will be more selective with how they spend it. Usually, they’ll tire themselves out just doing the things they love.
To better the chances that your kid will love and continue to love the aforementioned hobby, you need to give them a great bike to work with. Fortunately, there is a good selection of bikes on the market, and this article will help show you which one is the best bike for 5-year-olds.
Best Bike for 5-Year-Olds Comparison Table
| Product | Weight (lbs) | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
available | available | Mid-rise | Check Price | |
| TOMY John Deere | 20 | 16'' | Mid-rise | Check Price |
| 17.64 | 16'' | Adjustable | |
|
| Titan | 25 | 16'' | Mid-rise | Check Price |
| Dynacraft Girls’ | 26.2 | 18'' | Mid-rise | Check Price |
| Woom 3 | 12.7 | 16'' | Mid-rise | Check Price |
| Guardian | 20 | 16'' | Mid-rise | Check Price |
| BIKESTAR | 25 | 16'' | Mid-rise | Check Price |
| Mongoose | 31 | 18'' | Mid-rise | Check Price |
Best Bike for 5-Year-Olds Reviews
RoyalBaby BMX Freestyle Kids’ Bike – For the Budding Athlete
Moving back now to the bicycles built for more experienced riders, the BMX Freestyle Kids’ Bike from RoyalBaby is one item that comes highly recommended if you have a child who is absolutely in love with this particular hobby.
The designers aren’t messing around with this bike. They have designed it to be a road-worthy choice for a young cyclist.
Speaking of marathon biking sessions, you can prepare your kid better for that by placing a water bottle in the allocated slot, and the bike itself has been fashioned out of high-quality steel, so you know it will last.
You can easily imagine a slightly bigger version of this bike being ridden by a teenager around town because it features a similar form.
There are elements that prevent this RoyalBaby bike from being a truly excellent item, however.
Expanding the responsibilities of the brake lever would have worked fine, but because there are also caliper and coaster brakes to deal with, the whole system just becomes more complex than it needs to be.
Add to that some pedals that are prone to falling off, and you have a bike that comes close to being really good, but ultimately falls short of that.
- It’s a bike built to accommodate kids that are serious about improving their skills
- Three types of brakes are just too much for a bike
TOMY John Deere Bicycle – For Cruising around the Yard with Dad
A typical 5-year-old idolizes his/her dad. The child will see his/her father completing chores around the house such as lifting heavy objects and fixing broken appliances and think that he is a kind of superhero.
It would be great if a child got the chance to spend more time with his/her dad even when he is just doing something like the lawn, and wouldn’t you know it, there’s a bike designed exactly for that.
To be clear, the TOMY John Deere Bicycle is not actually going to help with trimming the grass or gathering dead leaves.
However, wouldn’t it just be adorable to see dear old dad on his John Deere riding mower alongside your kid who is on a John Deere Bicycle?
That would make for a great picture.
You should also know that this particular bike from TOMY is not just useful for photo-ops.
There is a potential issue with this bike though, and it’s related to its brakes.
Coaster brakes have been installed on this bike, and those may prove tricky to use even for an experienced rider. The bike also has a decent amount of heft to it and that could make using the coaster brakes properly even tougher.
- This bike is designed to be used by your kid for a long time
- The coaster brakes should have been replaced with something else
Strider 16 Sport – Best Balance Bike for 5-Year-Olds
We’ve already talked quite a bit about kids learning how to ride a bike even before they turn 5 years old, but the truth is that not every child has the opportunity to do that. Circumstances differ from one child to the next and it’s perfectly fine for a kid to start riding a bike at 5 years old.
The only real issue is that most bikes designed for a 5-year-old’s growing frame are not the simplest to operate. Many of them already make use of pedals and those can prove to be too much to handle for a true beginner.
That is why the Strider 16 Sport is such a good product to have on the market.
Even though it is already big enough to be used by a 5-year-old, it is still a balance bike that can be steered easily. You can think of it as a slightly oversized balance bike.
The folks at Strider have even kept the lightweight design and the adjustable handlebars just to make sure that the 16 Sport is extra accommodating to late learners.
Of course, with the bicycle being designed this way, that means that it is of little use to those kids who already spent time with smaller balance bikes. The market for this item is not the biggest one, but many children will be glad that this has even been made available.
- It’s an ideal example of a true beginner bike for a 5-year-old
- 5-year-olds who are already experienced riders will be bored by this product
Titan Girl’s Flower Princess – Pretty in Pink for Your Precious Girl
One more bike specifically designed for girls on this list is the Flower Princess BMX Bike from Titan.
As its name gives away, this bike features many of the design elements that most little girls love to see in their toys and clothes. There are flower prints, pictures of princesses, and of course, the majority of the bike’s frame is colored in bright pink.
Those elements work well for clothes and toys, and they clearly look just fine on a girl’s bike as well.
The makers of this bicycle added some other nice touches that work to give it more charm.
If your little girl is fond of playing with dolls, there’s a small compartment next to the seat where she can put her doll. The basket situated up front is well-made and the flower accents make it pop.
In contrast to the design, the brakes of this bike are not quite as good. It’s troublesome enough that they are coaster brakes but that is compounded by the fact that this is a heavy kid’s bike. It’s possible that your daughter will run into issues both with braking and steering while trying to use this two-wheeler.
- The doll seat and handlebar basket are nice touches that round out a beautiful bike
- This bike surpasses the ideal weight range for a kid’s bike, and that could lead to it becoming harder to steer
Dynacraft Mysterious – Comfort and Style Combine in This Bike
It’s never enough to just get your little girl a bike that’s beautiful and stylish. That bike also has to be a solid two-wheeler that can keep her safe and comfortable while she’s using it.
Parents can expect that from Dynacraft’s Mysterious Girls’ BMX Street/Dirt Bike.
The first elements of the bike that are going to catch your little girl’s eyes are its accessories and overall design.
It’s definitely got a feminine vibe, but it’s not over the top with that. In keeping with the “Mysterious” moniker, the designers opted for a darker color scheme that is actually refreshing to see in the young girls’ bikes section.
The streamers are fun additions that look pretty fluttering around in the wind and the handlebar bag is functional and fashionable.
Issues with this bike arise when you turn your attention to the brakes, however.
First off, they are tough to put together and you may find yourself going through a trial and error process while trying to work out how they fit on the bike.
Also problematic is the inclusion of two types of brakes on this bicycle. Front hand brakes are easy enough to operate for the vast majority of 5-year-olds, and they would have been fine on their own. The added coaster brakes just serve to make controlling this bike harder than it should be.
- The understated design concept used for this bike is quite appealing
- You don’t really want to have issues with just simply putting the brakes together, but you’ll experience them with this bike
Woom 3 – Best Pedal Bike for 5-Year-Olds
The training wheels have to figuratively and literally come off at some point for your child and if you feel that he/she is ready for that move, then go ahead and make the switch to the Woom 3 Pedal Bike.
But therein lies the brilliance of the Woom 3 Pedal Bike’s design.
You see, even though it works like a pedal bike, it still functions and acts similarly to those easier variants of the two-wheeler.
It doesn’t weigh a lot, and that is not something that can be said about many other bikes designed for 5-year-olds. That’s a key characteristic of this bike because that means even smaller 5-year-olds can continue to use it easily.
If you still can’t shake the idea that your kid may not be safe on this bike, then take comfort in the fact that it comes with front and rear v-brakes that are a cinch to operate.
The only real downside to this bike is that it costs a lot, especially when compared to the alternatives. That’s quite disappointing, but you can understand it given that you’re paying for a high-quality product.
- This bike possesses plenty of smart safety features
- The price tag is on the high side especially for a kid’s bike
Guardian Ethos Bike – A Safe Teaching Tool for the Young Cyclist
Once you see that your child has taken to bike riding well and has already gone way past being just a beginner, it’s time to let him/her try out something more challenging that better resembles the bicycles he/she will have later in life.
The Ethos from the Guardian Bike Company is that more challenging bicycle your child needs.
Among the key reasons why this bike will be able to test your child is because it has a gear-shifting function. Eventually, your kid is going to have to learn about that aspect of bike riding, so why not teach him/her about it at a young age.
Hearing about that issue with the gear shifter may have soured you on this bike already, but you should know that it does have one of the safer braking systems out there. The brake system is not just going to put the bike at a dead stop once it is activated. It’s much gentler and it will also prevent your child from getting injured.
This is also one of the lighter pedal bikes available, and that means that kids will have a significantly easier time steering it. That too should work to prevent accidental falls.
- The brake system used in this item is something you will wish is present in more bicycles
- It’s remarkably lightweight for a bike that already makes use of pedals
- The designers could have done something to make the gear shifter easier to use
BIKESTAR Sport Kids’ Bike – Safety and Comfort-Focused Features in Abundance
No product intended for kids can ever be too safe or too comfortable. Those are the most essential qualities for any kid’s bike, and you’ll be glad to know that the kids’ bike from BIKESTAR possesses both.
Beginning with safety, the handlebars on this bike are easy to grip, and that should prevent instances of wild steering.
Reflectors are also strategically placed throughout the bike to make sure that your child is always seen by nearby vehicles and pedestrians.
To make sure that your kids remain comfortable while using this bike, the designers have gone ahead and added an adjustable seat. That feature is harder to find in bikes for 5-year-olds and you and your kid will be glad that this item has it.
The cockpit of the bike is also designed in a way that your child will not have to overextend to reach any important part of it.
- You can never have enough safety features on a kid’s bike
- You will first have to make sure that your child is actually strong enough to comfortably steer this bicycle
Mongoose Boys’ Stun Bicycle – Built for the Kids Looking for a Challenge
By the time your kid reaches 5 years old, he may already have a good amount of experience when it comes to bike riding. Bikes designed for younger kids are available after all.
If your kid is indeed among those who had the chance to pick up on this hobby very early on, then chances are that he is already quite good at it at this point, enough so that the majority of bikes designed for kids his age no longer pose enough of a challenge.
To prevent boredom from settling in and to encourage your child to tap into more of his potential, you can get the Stun Bicycle from Mongoose.
You can tell that just by looking at it. This bike has the unmistakable look of one that should only be used by kids serious about this particular hobby.
It is designed to closely resemble a more advanced bike. If your kid can already handle pedaling without training wheels, then you can remove those and have the item function similarly to a road bike.
It also would have been a better bike had designers decided to include a handbrake. A handbrake would be preferable simply because it’s what kids will see on more advanced bikes anyway, so you might as well have them using that even this early.
- It’s a boldly designed bike, but the concept clearly works
- This big bike is suitable only for the riders who are already quite skilled
JOYSTAR Girls’ Bike – A Bike Designed for Your Young Princess
While not every little girl will love those bikes that are colored pink, white, and baby blue, there are certainly more than a few who will, and the Girls’ Bike with Training Wheels from JOYSTAR is available to meet their design preferences.
The moment your little girl lays eyes on this bike, don’t be surprised if she just comes sprinting towards it and never lets go. It’s probably what you have in mind when you are trying to picture a girl’s bike in your head, but still, credit the designers for executing that concept well.
So, is there anything else to praise about this bike beyond its looks?
Well, yes. Yes, there is.
Putting this bike together should also not prove to be too much of a hassle. You don’t need to be a skilled builder to figure out which part goes where. As long as you follow the instructions, you should be finished in less than half an hour and even that may be an overestimation of how much time you’ll need.
However, you won’t be quite as thrilled to learn that this bike only uses coaster brakes. Coaster brakes are even more troublesome on a bigger bike because your child pedaling the wrong way and coming to an unexpected stop has a greater chance of leading to a fall. Hand brakes would have been welcome, but they’re not even included as an additional option.
- It’s among the easiest to assemble kids’ bikes
- If only you could replace those coaster brakes with something better
Best Bike for 5-Year-Olds Buyer’s Guide
While in the process of looking up bikes that your 5-year-old can use, make sure to remember some things to increase the chances that the item you will purchase is perfect for your kid. Included below are those specific things that you have to consider before making the final purchase.
- Bike Type: Pedal bikes should now prove usable especially for those kids that have previous experience with this hobby.
- Weight: Bikes that weigh around 13-15 lbs are ideal for 5-year-olds, but even those that approach 20 lbs should prove easy to use even for newbies.
- Wheel Size: 16-inch wheels are just the right size for a 5-year-old’s bike.
- Handlebar Type: Since bikes for 5-year-olds with adjustable handlebars are harder to find, you can settle for low or mid-rise handlebars.
- Brake Type: A typical 5-year-old should find using a hand brake easy enough to do.
For more information regarding things you need to keep in mind before purchasing kids’ bikes, please feel free to peruse our in-depth buyer’s guide.
The good news for you is that there are all kinds of great bikes for 5-year-olds that are now available, so finding the right one for your child should be an easy task. The bike that’s perfect for your kid may even be among the items listed above.
Fantastic list of products Annette! My daughter is still learning how to ride a bike, and she just turned 5. What would be the best bike for 5 year olds who have no experience yet?
Hello Mary, and thank you for the comment. Don’t worry because five years of age is an excellent time to start riding. I recommend models with training wheels or those considered balance bikes so your daughter can get comfortable with balancing first. This way, she wouldn’t feel overwhelmed while still learning how to steer. You can also check those with adjustable handlebars so that the bike can grow with your daughter.
Thank you for this review! I have a question though, my son wants to try something more like a “grown-up” bike, and in this list, I’m eyeing the RoyalBaby BMX Freestyle Kids’ Bike. Would you recommend this bike, or is this too much?
Thank you for that question Helen, and I can relate to having kids wanting to try “grown-up” bikes as soon as possible. And yes, I can recommend RoyalBaby not just because of its style, but it’s also solid to endure some kids’ rough riding and play. This model is also an excellent introductory bike for kids who are interested in developing other biking skills. And since it has different weight options, I’m sure it can accommodate your child as he grows.
Fantastic list of products Annette! My daughter is still learning how to ride a bike, and she just turned 5. What would be the best bike for 5 year olds who have no experience yet?
Hello, I think you should start first with the overall construction of the bike. How solid is the frame? How reliable are the wheels? How effective are the brakes? And speaking of which, I find hand brakes easier for 5-year-olds, so if your child is just starting, look for something that uses hand brakes. You can also check out the weight of the bike and how comfortable it is for your child.
I found this review at the right time! Thank you, Annette; I’ve been a fan of your blog when buying baby-related items. However, today I’m looking for something for my older son as a gift for his birthday. He’s been bugging us for a “big boy” bike, so I’m eyeing the bike from RoyalBaby on your list. He’s pretty experienced in riding, but I’m curious about the brakes. Other than that, you have no further comment about this bike? Until when can he use this, by the way? All the support, thanks!
Hello, and thank you for the compliment! I genuinely enjoy reviewing items for my readers to help them find the best one for their family, hopefully. I would also recommend the best bike for 5 year old boy from RoyalBaby if your son requests something more “big boy”-themed. From the looks and functionality, he will surely enjoy this gift. The brakes might feel confusing at first, but kids nowadays are fast learners. He’ll get used to it and select the best way to use them. And as for your question about how long he can use it, different bike sizes are available. Make sure to get the right one for his height! I hope this answered your question well and if you want to know more, feel free to comment again.
I love this review! I have twins, and they want the best bike for 5 year old girl. I’m not sure if I should get them two separate bikes or if they could share one. So far, I like the Strider 16 because of the adjustable handlebars so each child can get a comfortable position. I’m just not sure what you mean with kids getting bored of this bike. Care to elaborate more? We plan to use the bike a lot and for family bonding, so I don’t want them to get tired of it quickly, haha. Thanks in advance!
Hello! I actually would recommend getting two bikes for your kids. This way, they can use it as they’d want and practice much comfortably. The Strider 16 is an excellent bike for kids this age because of its size and weight. I mentioned that children might get bored with this bike because it’s relatively straightforward and doesn’t have many blings. The looks of the model are also simple and less eye-catching. Other than that, I think it’s one of the best balance bikes in the market if your children are experienced. I can’t find any other potential drawbacks, so you have my support with this unit! And if your children will use the Strider 16 often, it should last them long. I hope this helps.